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1. Optimax Laser Eye Surgery Review
Optimax is a UK specialist in laser eye treatment, lens replacement surgery, and cataract surgery. Founded in 1991, this clinic has performed over 430,000 vision corrections. It currently has 28 clinics nationwide, including London, Bristol, Birmingham and Belfast.
Here is how nearly 1,000 real customers rate Optimax for its clinic, cost, treatments and surgeons:
| Optimax Rating Overall | Clinic Rating | Cost Rating | Surgeon Rating | Treatments Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (3.9 out of 5) | (3.6 out of 5) | (3.5 out of 5) | (5 out of 5) | (4.1 out of 5) |
These ratings boil down to:
Pros: Fixed prices, free consultation, Wavefront technology, locations nationwide, NHS-trained surgeons
Cons: Poor customer service, lacking communication from surgeons, frequent delays
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote – as well as free eye tests worth £800!
2. Optimax Laser Eye Surgery Cost
“I would do this surgery again tomorrow knowing the results I have got. It was worth every penny – the best money I ever spent.” – Stephen Gerrard
(3.5 out of 5)
Laser eye surgery at Optimax costs £1,695 (per eye) for Wavefront LASEK or Wavefront IntraLase LASIK. Cataract surgery costs £2,995 (per eye), while implantable contact lenses will set you back £2,495 (per eye).
These are average prices for eye surgery in the UK – not as cheap as other high street clinics like Optical Express, but less expensive than eye hospitals like Moorfields Private.
Are there any hidden costs? No – Optimax offers free consultations, and transparent prices. Plus, there are finance options, meaning you can pay under £50 for 36 months for laser surgery, or under £70 a month for lens surgery.
Here are the prices of some of Optimax’ popular lens and laser surgery options:
| Eye Surgery Procedure | Price (per eye) | Finance Options (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Wavefront LASEK | £1,695 | £42.38 (36 months, 0% APR, £169.50 deposit) |
| Wavefront IntraLase LASIK | £1,695 | £42.38 (36 months, 0% APR, £169.50 deposit) |
| Cataract / RLE / CLE Treatment | £2,995 | £64.40 (36 months, 0% APR, £299.50 deposit) |
| ICL Treatment | £2,495 | £51.49 (36 months, 0% APR, £249.50 deposit) |
☛ Want a tailored quote? The only way to compare exact quotes is to see an eye expert for a check-up. These can cost up to £250, but with our simple tool you can find out how much laser or lens surgery will cost you for free.
3. Optimax Treatments
“I am delighted that the procedure was pain-free, and I didn’t even need any painkillers afterwards. At the weekly check-up, I was amazed to learn I had 20/20 vision – much better than predicted.” – Joan Hassell
(4.1 out of 5)
As well as traditional laser eye surgery, Optimax also offers a range of lens surgery options. Here is the full list:
- LASIK
- LASEK
- Wavefront / IntraLase®Femtosecond
- Cataract or refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery
- ICL surgery or keratoconus treatment
Aftercare
Optimax provides a free and comprehensive aftercare program to regularly check and monitor your vision at each stage of the recovery process. All aftercare costs are included in the cost of your eye surgery.
Optimax locations
Optimax offers a range of clinics nationwide. It also hosts open days, where patients are able to have a free assessment, take a tour of the clinic, and speak to specialist consultants. Optimax’s main locations are: London, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester.
4. The Verdict
I am really happy with the results. Apart from the machine not working and the long wait, the staff at this Optimax were really nice, friendly and helpful, as was Dr Patel. I would recommend this Optimax. – Tina Gibson
(3.9 out of 5)
Optimax has an average overall rating due to hit-and-miss patient care, based on nearly 9,000 independent reviews on Lasik Eyes since 2002.
Most patients we spoke to were happy with the service. However, the long waiting times and poor communication mean this clinic misses the top spots on the list of the best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK. Still, Optimax makes it into these top lists:
But is Optimax right for you? The only way to find out is to see if you’re eligible for 20/20 vision or your money back, and to get a tailored quote. That’s why we make it easy to pop in for a free consultation, have free eye tests (worth £800), and talk through your options with an eye expert.
Next steps: Our simple tool helps thousands of readers a day get closer to going glasses free:
- Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched to the leading eye clinic in your area
- Check you’re eligible in minutes: Receive a quick call to check you can get surgery (we don’t share your number with anyone else)
- Book a free consultation: Talk to an expert at a clinic you can trust for a free eye test and personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the best clinic near you, and get a tailored quote.
Our Testimonials
540 reviews written between 2002 and 2020. Sorted by newest first.
Treatments are as each reviewer wrote them. Reviews that don't mention laser or lens surgery only show under All treatments.
No reviews match these filters.
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I had epi-lasek treatment at Optimax in Finchley Road on 22/03/05. My appointment was at 9.30am and I was seen within 10 minutes of arriving. I was nervous but there was no need to be. The treatment was uncomfortable, as each eye was clamped open for aprrox. 10 minutes, but it was less painful than I had expected and my surgeon talked me through every stage, which was very reassuring.
After the treatment was completed, I was given my medication and advice for the next few days. I made on appointment to have my bandage lenses removed 4 days later and felt OK to travel home. At this point the anaesthetic had not worn off and I felt fine.
As I left the clinic and walked to the car I was amazed that I could see everything clearly straight after treatment and did not feel unwell. However, after about half an hour in the car the anaesthetic wore off and I was in so much pain I couldn't open my eyes at all. When I arrived home I took a sleeping tablet and went to bed for 4 hours. When I awoke I could still only open my eyes for about 10 minutes at a time, but the pain wasn't as bad.
The following morning I felt a lot better, but still a bit tired as I still needed painkillers and eyedrops. I needed 5 days off work to recover fully.
At my follow up appointment 3 weeks later I was told that my eyes were making a very good recovery and that I now have 20/20 vision. I can still hardly believe that I no longer need contact lenses and as I got 2 eyes for the price of one, it will have paid for itself within 5 years.
The staff at Optimax were very friendly and helpful and I would recommend them to anyone. -
I had lasik 4 days ago at the Ipswich Optimax. My vision was great straight afterwards and up to now no changes! I do have unsightly red spots on the whites of my eyes, but know that these will diminish. I also feel like I've had contact lenses in too long when my eyes get tired – but it's not even a week after my op, so I know I should still rest my eyes! Going back to work tomorrow, and am looking forward to seeing whether people realise I don't wear glasses any more!
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I had epi lasek on the 24th Feb 05. I was -4.25 and -4.00 with .75 astigmatism in one eye. At the 4 week point I had a check up (in the afternoon) and both eyes were -.75 and if I squinted I was just within the driving limit. I also had clouding and the Dr perscribed steroid eyedrops. What I cannot understand is; after a good nights sleep in the morning my vision appears to be 20/20, and sharp as a button, but this quickly deteriorates (within an hour) to barely driving standard. I expected this to improve over time and with the eye drops. It is now coming up to 7 weeks post op point, and I have seen no real improvement. I understand that it takes the eyes nearly six months to settle, but I am now becoming quite concerned at the lack of improvement. Moreover, why is my vision so clear first thing in the morning? I am due to see the optician this Friday but can honestly say that there has been little if any improvement and I am not hopeful. Has anyone had similar problems or will I have to go under the laser again!
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Just a follow up to say that I had an aftercare appointment on the 31st March & both eyes are now 20/20! It's fantastic, although sight is better on some days than others. I have learned that this is not unusual & should settle in a short while. Again, definitely the best money I have spent without a doubt!
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Had Epi-Lasek at Birmingham clinic on 14th February 2005 (Dr Islam). Booked in at 11:15, had lots of tests and consultation with Dr Islam. I was told that surgery would take place at approx. 2pm that day. The surgery itself was painless, but I must say the weirdest experience of my life!, most bizzare the way the surface of the eye is 'pushed' to one side and to hear the laser 'crackle'!! – after the first eye, I tried not to smell the second eye! After the procedure, a clear bandage contact lense was placed on eye. I was given a 'goodie bag' with contained antibiotic eye drops, sleeping tablets and strong pain killers and was told by Dr Islam that the pain should kick in within the hour and suggested that I went home to bed. Sure enough about an hour later as we returned home, my eyes just clamped shut and I went to bed. That night I found it hard to open my eyes for a second before they shut tight. The pain was like rubbing your eyes if you had been peeling onions! and your eyes and nose just water constantly, I only had to sit up out of bed and my knees were wet – nice! After more painkillers and a sleeping tablet I woke up the next morning unable to look at any bright lights. My eyes really puffed up on day 2 but went down again a couple of days later. My vision was like looking through somebody elses prescription, to which I was disappointed with as I naively thought that I would be able to see straight away! After the 2nd day my left eye was clearing up nicely and the vision returning but the right eye was terrible! On the Thursday I went back to the Birmingham clinic to have the bandage contact lenses removed (pain free)and I was informed that my left eye was nearly up to driving standard. However, with my dodgy right eye I didn't feel safe to drive at all. After two weeks, not much improvement in the right eye and had my follow up appointment again at the clinic. I was informed that my left eye was better than 20/20 whilst I could only read the very top line of the sight chart with my right eye, but was assured that this was normal and not to be too concerned. Still no improvement and at one stage I really wished that I'd not had the treatment, but for only one second! I was back at work (mainly PC based) 2 weeks after the operation and struggled both with driving and focusing on monitor of PC which resulted in terrible eye strain and headaches. However I started to realise a slight improvement in my right eye and eventually it began to 'catch up' the left eye! – YIPPEE!!
5 weeks after and my eyes are brilliant and absolutely NO REGRETS in having it done! I'm due to go back to the clinic for a follow up appointment at the end of April which I'm sure that my eyesight will be 20/20 in the right eye and slightly better than in the left. My advice to anybody is to do lots of research, this website was invaluable to me, however I struggled to find many people who had one eye better than the other which worried me at the time, but if anybody is worried, please don't, it will get better but you just have to be patient. When it gets as good as the other eye it is fantastic! The staff at Birmingham are great and the surgeons are so professional. I actually bought my new eyes from e-bay for half price, what a bargain! I have recommended Optimax to everybody who I've talked to, from friends and family to the check-out lady in the Supermarket!